Topeka Zoo seeking quarantine building for animals

Topeka  The Topeka Zoo says it needs a special building to quarantine its large animals when they are ill.

Zoo director Brendan Wiley says the lack of such a building could jeopardize the zoo's chance for accreditation this year.

He says the lack of a quarantine building was pointed out in 2007 by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The association is examining the zoo this year because its five-year accreditation is ending.

The Topeka Capital Journal reports the city council discussed the need for the building for large apes and carnivores last week but took no action.

Wiley said the zoo has several large species that need a place to stay when they are ill. His proposal is for a rehabilitation area that would cost an estimated $746,000.